Tubular contents of equine dentin: a scanning electron microscopic study

The dentinal tubules of 20 permanent equine incisors were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Occlusal surfaces and longitudinal fracture planes of both etched and undecalcified teeth were examined. Three different types of structure were observed inside the dentinal tubular lumen. Odontoblastic processes could only be visualized in the circumpulpal parts of the tubules. The more peripheral parts were empty or housed cylindrical structures that probably correspond to the laminae limitantes. Collagen fibres were frequently observed in the tubular lumina and were most numerous in the circumpulpal parts of the tubules.     

Canine aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs

Aggression toward unfamiliar dogs and people is a common problem arising most commonly from fear and territoriality. A number of factors contribute to its development, including socialization deficits, hormones, and genetic and neurophysiologic components. These factors are discussed in this article, as are management and behavior modification approaches for controlling aggression.     

Acid deposition near a sour gas plant in southwestern Alberta

Atmospheric fallout in the vicinity of a sour gas plant in southwestern Alberta was collected on an event basis with bulk precipitation collectors during June, July and August of 1972, 1973 and 1982. Samples were collected at 9 sites within 20 km of the plant. Total atmospheric sulfation measurements defined a higher exposure area located downwind of the plant, but the precipitation measurements did not. Bulk deposition of H⁺ ion in the study area was an average 10.77 mmol H⁺ m^?2 3 mol^?1 in 1972 and 0.014 and 0.049 in 1973 and 1982, respectively. 1972 samples were also significantly more acidic (average pH of 4.3 vs 5.7 in 1973 and 5.3 in 1982). Deposition of SO₄ ⁼ averaged 2.1 kg S ha^?1 3 mol^?1 in 1972 and 0.96 and 0.72 in 1973 and 1982. The higher deposition of both S and H⁺ in 1972 is mainly a result of more precipitation. There was no significant correlation between H⁺ and SO₄ ⁼ species in the samples. There was no significant relationship between plant S emissions and deposition rates, or plant S emissions and average total atmospheric sulfation measurements.     

Influence of landuse on soil erosion risk in the Cuyaguateje watershed (Cuba)

Landuse changes may dramatically enhance erosion risk. Besides deforestation, also arable landuse may have an important influence on soil loss. We investigated the erosion risk in a 151 km² subwatershed of the Cuyaguateje watershed (Cuba) using the RUSLE model. It was found that the valleys used for agriculture have the highest erosion risk, with actual erosion surpassing soil loss tolerance. Over the period 1985–2000, about 14 km² of forest has been converted into arable land. As a result, the area with a very high erosion risk increased with 12%. On arable land it was found that the crop management factor C of a “tobacco/maize” rotation was 0.478, compared to 0.245 for a rotation of various crops (sweet potato, beans, maize, cassava and fallow). When maize in the “tobacco/maize” rotation was intercropped with a leguminous crop (hyacinth bean) the C factor decreased to a value of 0.369. Also contouring may halve soil loss on moderate slopes (< 10%) when high ridges are applied, which is in Cuba generally the case for maize, cassava and sweet potato.     

Gerbode type defect and third degree atrioventricular block in association with bacterial endocarditis in a dog

Gerbode type defects are rare left ventricular outflow tract–right atrial communications in people that may be congenital or acquired; they have been reported only once previously in dogs. Acquired forms in humans have been reported secondary to bacterial endocarditis, trauma, and valve replacement surgery, among other causes. We report a case of left ventricular outflow tract to right atrium and right ventricle communications (Gerbode type defect) in association with aortic and tricuspid valve bacterial endocarditis in a geriatric dog. The dog also developed third degree atrioventricular block and had underlying subaortic stenosis. The authors hypothesize that the Gerbode type defect in this case was acquired secondary to invasion and destruction of the membranous interventricular septum due to bacterial endocarditis.     

A dual indicator set to help farms achieve more sustainable crop protection

BACKGROUND: Farmers are being called to use plant protection products (PPPs) more consciously and adopt more sustainable crop protection strategies. Indicators will help farmers to monitor their progress towards sustainability and will support their learning process. Talking the indicators through in farmers' discussion groups and the resulting peer encouragement will foster knowledge acquirement and can lead to changes in attitudes, norms, perception and behaviour. RESULTS: Using a participatory approach, a conceptual framework for on‐farm sustainable crop protection practices was created. The same participatory approach was used to design a dual indicator set, which pairs a pesticide impact assessment system (PIAS) with a farm inquiry. The PIAS measures the risk for human health and the environment exerted by chemical crop protection. The inquiry reveals the farmers' response to this risk, both in terms of the actions they take and their knowledge, awareness and attitude. CONCLUSIONS: The dual indicator set allows for implementation in four tiers, each representing increased potential for monitoring and social learning. The indicator set can be adjusted on the basis of new findings, and the participatory approach can be extrapolated to other situations. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Scanning Electron Microscopic Changes of the Canine Uterine Luminal Surface during Oestrus and Late Metoestrus

In this study the endometrial morphology of four dogs in oestrus and 10 dogs in late metoestrus was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. In early oestrus the cells were slightly convex with fairly long microvilli and cell boundaries that were apparent but situated on a deeper level than the cell surface. In late oestrus the cells were clearly convex with long and numerous microvilli masking the cell boundaries. At the beginning of late metoestrus the cells became less convex with many but short microvilli and prominent but lower situated cell boundaries. At the end of late metoestrus the cells were flat with very short microvilli and protruding cell borders. These morphological findings were correlated with the cyclic variations of the steroid hormone levels.